For UPSC exams such as the Civil Services Examination, you fill the application on upsconline.nic.in. The current upload instructions ask for three things: a passport-size photo file, a live photo captured during the form, and a triple signature. The rules are strict about file names and face size, so it is worth doing this carefully.
Quick summary (current UPSC upload instructions)
- Photo: colour JPG, 20 KB to 200 KB, saved with the file name photo.
- Face must cover at least 3/4 (75%) of the photo, plain white background, both ears visible, looking straight at the camera.
- Live photo: captured with your webcam or by scanning a QR code with your phone. It is matched with your uploaded photo.
- Signature: sign three times, one below the other, in black ink on plain white paper, scanned as one JPG named signature, 20 KB to 100 KB, image dimensions 350–500 pixels.
Older UPSC instructions used different limits (for example up to 300 KB, and name and date on the photo). Follow the instructions for the exam you are applying to.
Step 1: Make the photo
- Take a fresh photo against a plain white wall. No dark glasses, no uniform, no shadows, and hair off the eyes.
- Open the Passport Size Photo Maker. Drag the frame close around your head and shoulders so the face fills about three quarters of the photo. Many rejections happen because the face is too small.
- Download the single photo, then compress it with the Image Compressor to a target of about 150 KB.
- Rename the file to photo.jpg.
Do not sign the photo. The instructions say the photograph is not to be signed.
Step 2: Make the triple signature
- On plain white, unlined paper, sign three times one below the other with a black pen. Leave a clear gap between signatures.
- Photograph the sheet straight from above in good light.
- Crop around the three signatures with the Image Cropper. Keep it upright, not rotated.
- Use the Image Resizer so the sides fall in the 350–500 pixel range (for example 400 × 480 px).
- Compress with the Image Compressor to a target of about 80 KB, and rename it signature.jpg.
Step 3: Capture the live photo
Sit in good light, face the camera straight, and keep your appearance similar to the uploaded photo. If the two do not match, the form will not let you continue.
Common reasons UPSC rejects uploads
- Face covers less than 3/4 of the photo, or the face is cut off and ears are not visible
- Wrong file name (not photo or signature)
- Only one or two signatures, or signatures side by side instead of one below the other
- Blurred, dark or rotated images, or lined/coloured paper
UPSC can change these rules for any exam. Always read the notice and the photo and signature instructions on upsconline.nic.in before you submit. ToolSandook is not connected to UPSC.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UPSC photo size in KB?
The current UPSC instructions ask for a colour JPG photo between 20 KB and 200 KB, named 'photo', with the face covering at least 3/4 of the image.
How do I make the UPSC triple signature?
Sign three times, one below the other, in black ink on plain white paper, scan all three as one JPG named 'signature', 20 KB to 100 KB and 350–500 pixels.
Is a live photo needed for UPSC?
Yes. The current instructions make a live photo mandatory. It is captured during the form with a webcam or your phone and matched with your uploaded photo.
Should I write my name and date on the UPSC photo?
Older UPSC instructions asked for it, but the current upload instructions do not mention it. Follow the instructions given for your exam.